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When Maria moved back to Washington from attending college on the East Coast, her best friend’s dad helped her get a job with a local technology company. John was already working there, and he quickly noticed the new girl. Maria referred to John as the “office hero,” so the noticing was mutual. A few months after Maria arrived, John accepted a job at a different company, and on his last day he decided to ask Maria out on a date. She said yes.

There are many factors that contribute to falling and staying in love, that form a healthy and strong relationship. Sometimes it can be the seemingly simplest things that make the biggest impact; John knew that Maria was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with after they moved from a studio apartment into a larger one, all without having a fight. Sometimes it’s more about values and character; for Maria, her heart melted when she saw how good John is with kids, and knows he will be such an amazing dad. But both of these things come down to how a person treats other people, and Maria and John see in each other someone who shows respect and love, and they are committed to giving that to each other. When John proposed to Maria in Cannon Beach, Oregon, there was no doubt in Maria’s mind that her answer should be the same as on John’s last day at work: yes.

Maria and John, I hope you’re having a wonderful time on your honeymoon in the Philippines! I’m sure it will be hard to come home after such a magical experience. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to capture your wedding day for you. It was so special to watch you become husband and wife, and I thank you for being such crazy awesome rockstars who were a blast to work with! Hugs, TB.

Along with about 85 of their friends and family, Maria and John were married at The Golf Club at Newcastle on an overcast morning in May. The golf course boasts stunning views of Seattle off in the distance, and is a lovely setting for photos.

Maria wore a stunning Justin Alexander wedding gown. And, because she’s a tall gal (plus she didn’t want to aerate the golf course with heels), she opted for some gold-embellished sandals to match her gold and blush color theme.

As I was photographing their rings, I kept squinting at John’s wedding band trying to figure out what in the world he has on there. An NFC ring? I know they’re big Seahawks fans, but I don’t see any of our logos anywhere… ;) I asked him, and apparently this bad boy can unlock doors, transfer information, and more! For a super techy guy, it’s perfect.

Invitations and other paper goods from the Wedding Paper Divas set the tone for their classically elegant wedding day.

The Golf Club at Newcastle has a lovely bridal suite where Maria and her bridesmaids prepared for the day. Maria’s sensational hair was done by Charina of Sorella Salon, and her fabulous makeup was done by Tiffany of Sweet P Beauty – both gals made Maria look and feel beautiful.

Maria’s bridesmaids were so witty, fun, and ever helpful, wanting to make sure that she looked just perfect!

…and doesn’t she…

Meanwhile, John and his fellas were getting ready in the Wooly Toad, one of the restaurants at the golf club. All of the woodwork gave the space a very rich feel, and the light was just perfect for some portraits of John.

Maria presented John with a gift – a special album full of photos from all of their dates and adventures over the past four years.

Don’t John and his groomsmen look dapper! These guys have known each other practically their whole lives. It was clear throughout the day, from how they chide each other to how they support each other, that they’re like brothers to John.

Just before heading in to the ceremony, Maria was given a gift that John had gotten her. I love this sequence of emotions… Maria is a huge music buff, and the card read that it was from John and Jimi – the second she realized it was probably a Jimi Hendrix album she was so surprised and excited. John sure knows his woman, and all Maria could say as she gazed at the album cover was, “Oh my gosh, I love this man.” (Referring to John, of course, not Jimi. Well, maybe both.) ;)

Maria and John had their ceremony in the Prestwick Terrace, which is a perfect setting this time of year given that you never know if it will be raining in the Seattle area. :)

Maria particularly loves the billowing draped ceiling and the dreamy light it casts.

John and Maria opted to wait to see each other until their ceremony. Can you see John just saying, “Whoaaaa,” as he watches his bride walking down the aisle!

All eyes on these two… (and they even had a sign asking people to put their phones away for the ceremony – I love that they wanted everyone to be present in the moment, PLUS, it’s a photographer’s dream situation to not have to compete with distracting iPad and phone screens!) ;) Thanks, M & J, hehe.

Their ceremony was full of laughs and happy tears.

And lots, lotslotslots, of love.

Officially official!

So happy for these two.

Because Maria and John chose not to see each other before their ceremony, we headed out to the golf course afterwards to get some portraits of them, as well as with their bridal party. John held Maria’s train whenever they walked to make sure it wouldn’t get dirty and she didn’t trip. What a guy.

I’ll just let you gaze at these two lovebirds for a while… ;)

Lookin’ fierce!

Maria’s lovely bouquet and other florals were designed by Erica of Paper Hearts + Co.

These people right here were some of the most fun, easy going, helpful, and hilarious I’ve been able to work with. I had such a great time spending the day with all of them!

Afterwards, we headed in to the St. Andrews Ballroom for lunch and the rest of the reception.

Their wedding day was extra special because May 17 is also the anniversary of Maria’s parents – who were celebrating 37 years together! A family friend made them their anniversary cake. I also loved the classic looking wedding cake from Madison Park Bakery.

For their first dance as husband and wife, John and Maria were content holding each other close and taking in the moment.

But then it was time for Maria to party with her girls! Maria used to create playlists for retail stores, so she was her own DJ for the night – and I must say, it was hard to keep photographing when I wanted to dance, too!

I love this moment, captured by my second photographer and assistant for the day, Sean Brown (no relation). :) Thanks, Sean!Congratulations, Maria and John! I couldn’t have asked for more enjoyable people to photograph. Enjoy this new chapter of your lives together!